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Duo linked with Villa exit, as high-profile frontman is linked

Aston Villa could be set for a summer overhaul after relegation to the Championship, while the club are linked with a high-profile Championship goalgrabber.

Having been dead and buried for most of the season, it is widely expected that Villa will make some movements to adjust their squad ahead of their first season in the second flight since 1987-88.

Turkish outlet Fotospor state that the out-of-favour Joleon Lescott is a target for Besiktas, should they fail to secure the signing of AC Milan defender Cristian Zapata.

The 33-year-old has become somewhat of a literal Villain after a series of distasteful incidents on social media.

This is not the first time the Turkish side have been interested in the former West Brom man. In 2014, the then free agent Lescott was offered a deal by Besiktas with their director of football Onder Ozen telling The Sun: “Lescott is still on our transfer wish list.

“Everything will become clear at the end of the season, players will be leaving and arriving but I don’t want to disclose too much information yet.”

The Daily Mailreported recently that Aston Villa may bid for Championship hotshot McCormack to fire them back into the top flight.

The Scottish international has managed 23 goals in a Fulham side that has been perilously close to the relegation places for most of the season, forming a formidable strike partnership with Moussa Dembele.

Back in January, the Mail reported that the 29-year-old wanted to leave West London, with Middlesbrough potential suitors. A move never materialised however, and Boro eventually captured Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes.

TransferMarketWeb report that another summer signing may be leaving Villa, as Jordan Veretout is unhappy with the team’s relegation.

Bournemouth look the most likely to secure the 23-year-old, with a loan deal appearing to suit both teams. Villa paid €10million for the player from Nantes, and he has a contract until 2020.